How to Become Certified

February 10, 2021 | 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

DPS is the certifying agency for the following certifications: Minority-Owned Business Enterprise (MBE), Women-Owned Business Enterprise (WBE), Veteran-Owned Business (VBE), Business Enterprise for People with Disabilities (BEPD), Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE), and Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE). This workshop will provide detailed information on who is qualified to be a Chicago certified firm. Learn out what documents are needed when submitting an application and how to avoid the most common mistakes in the certification process. Subject matter experts will be on-hand to answer all your questions about common certification topics.

Procurement Fundamentals: Doing Business with The City of Chicago

February 11, 2021 | 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Do you have questions about how to become a successful bidder on City contracting opportunities? Unsure where to begin? This informational workshop highlights the role and responsibility of DPS in the City’s purchasing process. Come learn about different procurement methods and the laws which govern the procurement process. Once completed, you will better understand what it takes before you start the bidding process and your responsibilities after you have won a contract with the City of Chicago.

Working with Assist Agencies

February 24, 2021 | 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

City of Chicago Assist Agencies are comprised of not-for-profit agencies and/or chambers of commerce that represent the interests of small, local, minority, women, veteran, and disadvantaged- owned businesses within Chicago’s diverse communities. These organizations offer many resources to help businesses at every stage of their growth cycle as well as connect prime contractors with certified firms for subcontracting opportunities. This workshop will outline the role and responsibilities of an Assist Agency.

Introduction to eProcurement 101

February 25, 2021 | 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

DPS is continuing on the next phase of start-to-finish purchasing modernization via the implementation of a comprehensive eProcurement system. eProcurement applies digital technology to the acquisition of goods and services. It will allow DPS to collaborate with City Departments to create solicitations and contracts online, greatly reducing the time it takes to complete procurements. Come watch a demonstration and learn about iSupplier registration, how vendors will submit bids and proposals online, and how to view contracts and payments.

Download the February 2021 Workshop Schedule (PDF)

Interested in more workshops? Reference the content of all workshops, as well as information about our programs, from the DPS events and outreach page www.chicago.gov/dpsevents. Download all workshop PowerPoint files and stay up to date with all DPS programs and initiatives.